Follow Us
Dipender Manta
Tribune News Service
Mandi, August 13
Incessant rain has wreaked havoc in Mandi district, claiming the lives of three persons. The deceased were identified as Satya Devi, a native of Tadun village in Dharampur Assembly segment, Durgadut Chauhan of Balh and Khem Singh of Jhot village.
According to sources Satya Devi was sleeping in her house when a massive landslide struck, damaging the house completely. She was buried under debris.
Another incident was reported in Baggi rivulet. Durgadut Chauhan was collecting woods from the riverside when sudden water current swept him away within seconds. Third victim Khem Singh plunged into Pandoh Dam along with his jeep, when he was driving the vehicle in the area.
The historical ancient temple Panchvaktar situated in Mandi town was submerged in flood water after water level in Beas and Suketi rose. The temple is situated in the middle of these two rivers.
Due to rising water level in the Beas, jhugis erected on the riverside were washed away. Mandi-Kullu and Mandi- Pathankot national highways have been blocked since Monday morning due to massive landslides. Partial traffic was restored in evening.
A family of nine members was trapped inside house near Kansa Chowk due to flood in Kansa rivulet as the house was constructed close to the riverbed. The district administration was able to rescue all family members. Rain water entered the houses and shops at Nerchowk. A large number of new vehicles were reportedly damaged as flood water entered a Hyundai car showroom and those of other automobile companies.
Three cattle died as flash flood damaged a cowshed in Dharampur area. Nine cowsheds were damaged completely overall, while 15 houses were partially damaged because of a landslide.
Landslides were reported at different places, which damaged public and private properties. Around 240 roads in the district were damaged because of heavy rain. Machinery and workforce have been deployed to clear the roads for normal traffic.
BBMB authorities at Pandoh released excessive water from 9 am to 3 pm which increased water level in the Beas drastically.
The authorities had alerted the district administration on Monday to caution the people in the downstream of the Beas to stay away from the river because flood gates of Pandoh Dam were to be opened.
Mandi Deputy Commissioner Rugved Thakur said, “The loss of public and private property was quite high. Eight rescue teams had been deployed to carry out relief and rescue operation. We have rescued 14 people from drowning in the district. The traffic was hampered on 240 roads, out of which 109 have been restored for normal traffic.”
“The loss to property of different departments like PWD, IPH and others has been calculated at Rs 13.21 crore. All private and government schools were closed and district administration has declared holiday for Tuesday in view of public safety” he added.
The administration has urged people to stay away from riverside to avoid any danger. He said the administration was keeping a close vigil on the situation and efforts were on to help the affected families.
Shops, buildings damaged in Kullu
Water released from Pandoh Dam
The BBMB authorities at Pandoh released excessive water from 9 am to 3 pm which increased water level in the Beas drastically. The authorities had alerted the district administration on Monday to caution the people in the downstream of the Beas to stay away from the river because flood gates of Pandoh Dam were to be opened.
Mandi-Kullu, Mandi-P’kot roads blocked
The Mandi-Kullu and Mandi- Pathankot national highways have been blocked since Monday morning due to massive landslides. Partial traffic was restored in the evening. Mandi DC Rugved Thakur said the loss of public and private property was quite high. Eight rescue teams had been deployed to carry out relief and rescue operation.
4
6
9